Steve Borthwick, who captained England to a narrow victory over Italy in Rome last Sunday, has become the latest victim.

The Bath lock misses his club’s Guinness Premiership appointment with Wasps on Saturday as he battles to recover from a knee injury suffered at Stadio Flaminio.

Borthwick was ruled out after failing a fitness test, although it is unclear at this stage what his prospects are of recovering in time to face tournament favourites France next Saturday night.

And although Wasps prop Phil Vickery, whose place as skipper Borthwick took, has recovered from a stomach bug to pack down at the Recreation Ground, wing Paul Sackey and scrum-half Andy Gomarsall have also reported knocks.

Wasps speedster Sackey faces fitness checks on a thumb problem before his participation on Saturday can be confirmed, while Gomarsall sits out Harlequins’ game against Worcester due to a back spasm.

England’s RBS 6 Nations season has three Tests to run, but injured trio Mike Tindall, David Strettle and Tom Rees have already been written off, with Leicester flanker Lewis Moody still sidelined because of Achilles tendon trouble,

Sale Sharks prop Andrew Sheridan, meanwhile, missed the Italy clash due to an infected cut on his heel, and he won’t be involved for his club against Leeds Carnegie.

Vickery’s fitness apart though, Ashton will be comforted by the return of Wasps flanker Joe Worsley from a neck injury this weekend.